5 Sense-ible Tricks to Getting Your Direct Mail Read

In the modern world that we live in, most consumers get constantly bombarded with sensory and visual information through online platforms. 

Over the Last 30+ years our team at Duplicates INK - marketSMART has learned one important lesson about direct mail.  It can be tricky to design engaging direct mail in this landscape that will catch the reader's attention as those online ads do. 

However, 75% of people who receive direct mail can recall the brands easily, as opposed to only 44% of brand recall with digital advertisements. Direct mail can be an excellent tool for your company to use!

Make your company's direct mail stand out by appealing to consumers' 5 senses! It's a creative and effective way to make your print materials memorable.

Use Each of the 5 Senses to Create Unique Direct Mail 

1. Sight 

Visually appealing mail will automatically intrigue your customers.

Use eye-catching designs like foil, metallic features, shimmery ink, lamination/different varnishes, and more options to captivate anyone who opens your mail.

Another idea you could try is incorporating a 3-D pop-up feature or a peek-a-boo flap into your design. Ensuring your direct mail is visually intriguing will lead your customers to check out the message and spend more time with it. 

2. Touch 

Focusing on the customers' sense of touch can be essential to making a memorable direct mail.

Consider using embellishments like debossing or embossing (raising or imprinting letters or your logo) or using textured paper to create a sensory experience for your customers. 

You could also include small token gifts, like pens or stickers with your company name or logo! Tangible items will cater to recipients' sense of touch and make them more likely to reach out in the future!

3. Smell

Research shows that there is a powerful connection between scent and memory.

So why not try including a scented element in your direct mail to help consumers remember your brand?

You could use lightly scented stationery or create a scratch-and-sniff feature on your mail that relates to your product. Or get more creative and include a free air freshener branded with your company name and logo!

4. Sound

Appealing to your recipients' sense of sound with direct mail requires creativity, but it will undoubtedly make your mail piece memorable!

You could print a QR code or include a link on your direct mail design to lead customers to a site with a specialized video ready to play. Another idea is to feature familiar lyrics from your company jingle in the text of your mail to trigger their memory of the song.

5. Taste

Although you are most likely unable to include something recipients can taste in your direct mail physically, you can still give them a 'sample'! 

Include a tear-off coupon for a free sample of your product if they visit your store, or list a coupon code in the mail that they can use online for a free trial.

By engaging all five senses, you can create a direct mail campaign to make a memorable impact and drive meaningful interactions with your brand.

Contact us today at 843-248-2574 or info@duplicatesink.com to incorporate visual appeal, tactile elements, scents, sounds, and even taste-related offers in your next campaign!

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www.duplicatesink.com

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5 ways that pressure washing companies can effectively use direct mail marketing!

5 ways that pressure washing companies can effectively use direct mail marketing to grow their business

As a pressure washing company, you know the importance of effective marketing in growing your business and increasing revenue. One powerful tool to consider is direct mail marketing, which can help you reach your desired audience and stand out from competitors.

Consistent direct mail marketing is like regular pressure washing for your home or business. Just as regular cleaning can help maintain a property's appearance and prevent damage, regularly sending direct mail to potential customers can help prevent a stagnant customer base and keep your business thriving. Here are 5 ways to use direct mail marketing effectively to grow your pressure washing business:

1. Targeted Campaigns Segment your mailing list and create campaigns that speak directly to the individual needs of each recipient. Consider factors like property type, location, and specific cleaning needs to increase the likelihood of converting recipients into customers.

2. Personalization Establish trust and credibility with potential customers by creating personalized mailings that use the recipient's name, address, and other relevant information.

3. High-Quality Design Create a design that catches the recipient's eye by using compelling graphics, images, and headlines to encourage recipients to take action and book an appointment.

4. Special Offers and Promotions Incentivize potential customers to choose your pressure washing services by including special offers or promotions in your direct mailings, such as discounts on services or free consultations.

5. Follow-Up Include contact information and a clear call to action in your mailings, and promptly respond to any inquiries or appointment requests to convert interested recipients into customers.

Using these 5 strategies, pressure washing companies can effectively use direct mail marketing to grow their customer base and increase revenue. And if you need help executing these strategies, consider working with a direct mail marketing company like Duplicates INK - marketSMART. Our team of experts has helped numerous businesses achieve their marketing goals using direct mail. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your pressure washing company succeed.

Duplicates INK - 843-248-2574 or info@duplicatesink.com

Growing your Dental Practice with Direct Mail use these 5 tips to WIN!

As a dental practice, you know the importance of effective marketing in growing your patient base and increasing revenue. One powerful tool to consider is direct mail marketing, which can help you reach your desired audience and stand out from competitors. At Duplicates INK - marketSMART, our team of experts has helped numerous dental practices achieve their marketing goals using direct mail.

Consistent direct mail marketing is similar to consistent oral hygiene. Just as brushing and flossing every day can prevent dental problems and keep your teeth healthy, regularly sending direct mail to potential patients can help prevent a stagnant patient base and keep your practice thriving. Here are 5 ways to use direct mail marketing effectively to grow your dental practice:

1. Targeted Campaigns Segment your mailing list and create campaigns that speak directly to the individual needs of each recipient. Consider factors like age, location, and specific dental needs to increase the likelihood of converting recipients into patients.

2. Personalization Establish trust and credibility with potential patients by creating personalized mailings that use the recipient’s name, address, and other relevant information.

3. High-Quality Design Create a design that catches the recipient's eye by using compelling graphics, images, and headlines to encourage recipients to take action and book an appointment.

4. Special Offers and Promotions Incentivize potential patients to choose your dental practice by including special offers or promotions in your direct mailings, such as discounts on services or free consultations.

5. Follow-Up Include contact information and a clear call to action in your mailings, and promptly respond to any inquiries or appointment requests to convert interested recipients into patients.

Using these 5 strategies, dental practices can effectively use direct mail marketing to grow their patient base and increase revenue. And with the help of Duplicates INK - marketSMART, you can rest assured that your direct mail marketing efforts are in good hands. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you succeed.

Duplicates INK - marketSMART 843-248-2574 www.duplicatesink.com

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5 Key Factors for Planning a Profitable Direct Mail Piece by Duplicates INK - marketSMART

5 Key Factors for Planning a Profitable Direct Mail Piece by Duplicates INK - marketSMART

Hey there! Are you considering using direct mail as a marketing strategy to promote your company? Well, you’re in luck! I’ve got some tips on how to create engaging direct mail without breaking the bank.

At Duplicates INK - marketSMART, our Expert Team can assist you in making your next direct mail project profitable. Here are five budget-friendly tips to help you craft an effective direct mail piece:

1. Use Every Door Direct Mail® (EDDM®)

Purchasing a mailing list can be quite expensive, but with EDDM®, you can send your direct mail to one specific mail route or multiple routes without investing in a mailing list. This method saves your company money, and it’s more profitable regarding production costs and postage. Immediate Pricing for EDDM projects including postage HERE

2. Go Bold With Colors

Don’t be afraid to use lots of colors! If your company’s printing supplier does their printing digitally, this won’t increase the cost of printing, but it WILL catch your customers’ attention and boost your reply rates. In fact, 85% of consumers share that color and visual appearance are the most critical factor when considering whether or not to buy a product, compared to text, which only has 6% influence.

3. Try a 2-Way Match Concept

Instead of designing multiple components for your direct mail piece, such as a letter, reply card, and envelope, consider creating a single component with multiple pieces. You could use a perforated line to create a tear-off reply section, which will then be processed as a 2-way match of the letter and its envelope. This will cut down the manufacturing cost of printing your direct mail.

4. Keep it Light

Keeping your mail’s weight in mind will serve your company’s budget well. There are many options for flat items that you can include without raising the cost of postage or requiring unique packaging, such as coupon cards and discount codes, decals or stickers, magnets, bookmarks, and other small goodies.

5. Choose Paper and Envelopes Wisely

Getting creative with your direct mail designs is an excellent idea, but don’t underestimate the importance of the basics. Using text paper, cover stock, and neutral-colored papers can save you time and money. When choosing envelopes, standard-sized envelopes with standard windows will likely be the most available and, therefore, the most cost-effective option.

No matter the size of your budget, Duplicates INK - marketSMART is here to help make your next print marketing campaign successful. Contact us today to learn more about how our Expert Team can assist with making your next direct mail project profitable.

Duplicates INK

843-248-2574

info@duplicatesink.com

www.duplicatesink.com

Direct Mail & Email campaign Check out this Ultimate Guide

The Ultimate Guide to Running a Print + Email Campaign with Duplicates INK - marketSMART 

At Duplicates INK - marketSMART, we understand the power of combining print and email campaigns for a successful marketing strategy. 

Print marketing offers tangible, attention-grabbing materials while email marketing helps build customer relationships and increase brand awareness through a vast reach to billions of email users worldwide. To help you craft a winning print + email campaign, we've put together this guide filled with expert tips and tricks. 

The Print Campaign: Driving Sales with Proper Execution 

    1.  Choose Your Audience - To maximize impact, make sure to send your print material to the right customers. Consider targeting those who have already bought from you. 

    2.  Design the Print Marketing Piece - Choose from postcards, stickers, posters, flyers, or booklets to pair with your email campaign. 

    3.   Engagement & Brand Recognition - Make sure to include a call to action, personalization, and a design that sticks to your branding guide for the best results. 

    4.  Send out a Test Run First - To ensure a high return on investment, do a test run of your print campaign to a smaller segment of your target market and make improvements based on the results. 

    5.  Be Patient - Results may take time to come in, but remember the staying power of print can make a big impact. 

The Email Campaign: Boosting Sales with Optimal Segmentation and Personalization Putting Together 

    1.  Your Email List - Focus on creating email segmentation for personalization based on factors like location, buyer stage, previous purchases, occupation, and hobbies. Offer something valuable in exchange for email addresses. 

    2.  General Email Marketing Tips - Optimize for mobile, research the best send time, craft a compelling subject line, use proven templates, and comply with email regulation laws. 

The Winning Strategy: Maximizing Impact with a Multi-Channel Approach At Duplicates INK - marketSMART, we recommend sending a couple of emails, following up with direct mail, and then sending more emails. 

This allows you to get your company in the customers' minds and make multiple points of contact to increase the chances of making a sale.

 Contact one of our expert marketers at Duplicates INK to discuss your next marketing campaign. Reach us by phone at 843-248-2574, email at info@duplicatesink.com, or visit our website at www.duplicatesink.com. 

Let us help you take your print marketing strategy to the next level by combining it with email.

5 Main Differences Between Print and Online Graphic Design

Omni Channel Marketing is a niche that our team at Duplicates INK - marketSMART has mastered.  We realized many years ago that our clients deserved a partner who was well versed in marketing on other channels outside of print.

Graphic design is critical in making marketing effective.

But, unfortunately, you can't just take one well-designed piece and transfer it to another form of advertising. It just doesn't work that way.

Graphic designers are trained to know how to design for the two forms. Here's a glimpse of what they know…just in case you want to try it yourself. 

5 Main Differences Between Print and Online Graphic Design

1. Print is tactile

When you think of print, you think of a more tactile experience, such as texture, smell, and shape.

This lends itself to a different experience than online. When printing materials, you might try letterpress, embossing, or debossing, which reaches out to one's senses in another way than online. 

2. Web is flexible

For print, all information must be presented within the constraints of the printing surface, whereas designers have almost unlimited flexibility to organize, arrange, and filter information for the web.

However, using different browsers can change the web designer's original layout, requiring testing with various browsers and operating systems.

3. Color differences

Color is another way that print and web design differ.

There are different color spaces for attaining the correct color in print versus on the web. You either use CMYK for print or RGB for the web and knowing the difference will make your images and design shine.

You'll need to know how to use Pantone colors to create the colors from print that you want online. 

4. Font variances

Desktop fonts and web fonts are different.

Besides the basic rules, anything goes in print. For example, you want to avoid clashing styles and give plenty of space between letters and lines. Also, cut down on dangling text fragments and focus on creating a clean alignment.

But in web design, you must make sure it is legible online by using sans-serif or an unembellished serif. Designers have less control over how fonts display across various devices, so enhancing readability (as much as possible) is vital. 

5. File modifications

Deciding on a file type is essential in design.

However, before deciding on a file type, you should first consider the destination of your piece. For example, the TIFF file extension is a good choice if you're designing for print because it can be compressed without sacrificing quality.

If you are designing for the web, two file formats will only work: GIF and SVG. GIF offers the ability to use transparency and animation. But it's worth noting that this format isn't ideal for high-resolution photographs due to its limited color capabilities. In that case, the SVG format works best to preserve quality regardless of how it's scaled.

This is the tip of the iceberg in web and print design differences.

Let our expert team at Duplicates INK - marketSMART provide insight on graphic design for your next print project, reach out to us! We would love to help you create the right image for your business.

Duplicates INK - marketSMART 843-248-2574  or  info@duplicatesink.com

www.duplicatesink.com

What 7 Special Day-Themed Direct Mail Campaign Ideas for Winter and Spring are you using to promote your business?

Our team at Duplicates INK - marketSMART is constantly creating ways to make your direct mail marketing campaigns more relevant, engaging and effective.  Here are the latest ideas to help you.

Research shows customers are more likely to buy when you get creative with ‘special’ day-themed promotions.

Winter and spring are full of international and national holidays, like the seven detailed below, providing plenty of room and creativity for direct mail campaigns. 

7 Special Day-Themed Direct Mail Campaign Ideas for Winter and Spring

1. Black History Month: February 

Black History Month is intended to celebrate the achievements of African Americans in the history of the United States. 

Do some research to find influential Black figures who shaped your business. Share their hard work and contributions in a flier or brochure. 

2. Valentine’s Day: February 14

A day meant for romance, with romantic partners sharing their appreciation for each other with gifts.

Many also use this day to share their love and appreciation for their friends. 

Remind your customers about the upcoming holiday and suggest gifts to make a partner’s day. Recipients will be grateful you reminded them and provided them with a quick, easy gift idea.  

3. Pi Day: March 14

3.14 are the first digits of Pi, which is why it is celebrated on March 14. 

A day for both mathematicians and pie lovers, Pi Day is the time for mathematicians to recite the endless digits of Pi, which is the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter.

Show your business’s appreciation for Pi and pie by sending direct mail to customers on this special day. If your company sells pie, even better. If not, perhaps share products or services your business provides that could make Pi Day all the more special. 

4. Saint Patrick’s Day:  March 17

This day originally commemorated St. Patrick with religious services and feasts; today, it is mainly a secular holiday meant to celebrate all things Irish. 

Get ready to send out lots of green: green paper that advertises everything you sell that is green. If your business has any Irish roots, now’s the time to share that information. 

5. Easter: April 9

Easter was initially meant for Christians to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus.

Today, many traditions surround the holiday, and religious and non-religious people celebrate it. 

Try sending out mail with easter eggs and bunny imagery. On the back of easter egg-shaped cutouts, provide coupons or vouchers for free samples. If you have easter themed products, be sure to advertise them. 

6. Star Wars Day: May 4

Star Wars lovers can be pretty enthusiastic. The day comes from a play on words: “May the fourth be with you.” 

Celebrate Star Wars Day with your customers by sending Star Wars-themed direct mail and sharing any Star Wars-related products or services. 

7. Mother’s Day: May 14

Mother’s day is a lovely holiday meant to celebrate and show appreciation for mothers. 

Have your business show its appreciation for mothers by sending out a mother’s day card with free samples and coupons. Help make mothers feel special. 

With hundreds of holidays, some more well-known than others, your business has plenty of opportunities to create special day-themed direct mail.

Check out a more exhaustive list of holidays to find one that would be the perfect fit for your business. Contact us today to get started on your next spring or winter campaign!

Duplicates INK - marketSMART where marketing doesn't cost it pays!

Duplicates INK - marketSMART - 843-248-2574. or  info@duplicatesink.com

www.duplicatesink.com

 

Do you know 5 Ways to Use Personalization in Print Marketing to Get Noticed by Your Customers?

For over 30 years our team at Duplicates INK - marketSMART has worked hard to provide our clients with the most effective forms of print communications that fit within their budget.  We found that personalization ALWAYS has a stronger impact than static print.

Using print marketing is a great way to get your company’s name out there and let customers know what services you offer.

But what if there was a way to increase the effectiveness of your printed ads, creating a better experience for your existing customers and drawing in new ones?

According to a study by Accenture, 91% of customers are more likely to purchase from companies who recognize and remember them, providing them with relevant offers or recommendations. 

Here are five easy ways to add personalization to your print marketing plan!

5 Ways to Personalize Your Company’s Print Marketing

1. Use Variable Data Printing

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) databases are an easy way for your company to accumulate and sort information about your customers.

Then, to use the data that your CRM has gathered and incorporate it into your print marketing, use Variable Data Printing (VDP) to create a variety of personalized print ads that will better suit the customers to whom you’re sending them. VDP uses more than just the customer’s name: it can also alter your ad’s layout, images, and promotions shown.

Using VDP for print ads results in 3-10 times higher response rates than non-personalized direct mail.

2. Use QR Codes on Your Print Marketing

QR codes are a modern and easy way to quickly send interested customers from your printed materials to your company’s website or social media accounts.

QR codes have many different capabilities, but one of the best ways you can use them to create personalized experiences for your customers is by tracking the links they clicked after the QR code has been scanned. Then you can use that information to determine which services or products are most attractive to your customers and personalize your advertising.

3. Respond to Constructive Feedback

Some customers can find some targeted marketing methods to be invasive or unhelpful.

However, research has shown that 45% of customers appreciate one kind of personalization: personal apologies from companies after negative experiences in-store or online.

So if customers leave a dissatisfied review or experience difficulties while shopping in your store, take note of their information and send them a letter apologizing for the inconvenience. They will appreciate your efforts to make things right with them and will be more likely to purchase from your company again!

4. Personalized Print Inserts

Although completely customized catalogs might be the most personalized route you can take with your direct mail, compiling a unique catalog for each customer would be quite cost prohibitive.

An alternative is to use VDP or another method to create customized inserts for your mail.

You could also consider including customized coupons to draw customers to your store by offering discounts on the products they’d likely be interested in.

5. Choose Personalized Images

Visuals are essential- they catch your customers’ attention and can determine whether or not they open your mail.

Focusing your personalization on the images in your print marketing could have a significant impact. Using the data you’ve gathered about a customer’s demographic, include images that cater to their preferences and interests.

Personalization is the strategy to push your company’s print marketing the extra mile- engaging your customers and standing out from others in your field. Contact us today to get personal on your next print marketing campaign!

Reach out to one of our marketing specialist at Duplicates INK - marketSMART to have a no obligation consultation.  Our number is 843-248-2574 or email at info@duplicatesink.com

Are you leveraging your printed materials to increase your SEO? (3 Ways to Improve Your Site's Ranking)

The purpose of search engine optimization (SEO) is to get your website to the top of Google’s search engine. 

Our team at Duplicates INK - marketSMART understands the importance of SEO and how your printed material fits in the Digital SEO puzzle.

The higher up your business is, the easier it will be for potential clients to find you. This is especially beneficial given that 68% of online experiences start with search engines. 

Many factors impact SEO ranking, such as

• Bounce rate is when visitors leave a webpage without taking any action—the lower the bounce rate, the better.


• Dwell time is how long visitors stay on the page. The longer, the better.


• Traffic is how much activity the page has. The more steady traffic, the better. 

Knowing what impacts your website’s SEO rankings can help boost your website. 

How SEO and Print Work Together

Print marketing can help improve your website’s SEO ranking by driving people to your website. 

One convenient, powerful way to accomplish this is through QR codes. QR codes provide an easy way to drive people from paper to online. QR codes can be added to… 

• Business cards. Drive people to your website to direct them to information that couldn’t fit on the card.


• Catalogs. Next to the advertised, popular product, put a QR code. This will make it easy for customers to buy the product.


• Posters. Bring people from the physical world to the online world by including QR codes on posters. 

QR codes increase your website’s traffic, and they will likely improve dwell times and bounce rates because the people visiting your website are actively seeking it for a purpose. Compare this to someone who stumbles across your website on Google but realizes it’s not quite what they’re looking for. 

3 Ways to Improve Your Site’s Ranking

1. Improve your website

Making your website easier to use will improve its SEO ranking.

Some areas to look at include: 

• Page load speeds. A website’s conversion rate drops by about 4.42% for every second of load time. The faster your website, the better it’ll do. People don’t like waiting.


• Mobile-friendliness. A user-friendly mobile phone website is essential, given that 64% of searches are on mobile phones compared to 35% on computers.


• Navigation. Improve website navigation using clear, everyday language and easy-to-find links to the most important pages. Use design techniques to separate parts of the page and stick to already established website structures. 

A faster, user-friendly website will get people to stay, boosting SEO. 

2. Improve your backlinks

Backlinks (also known as inbound links) are hyperlinks to your website from an external website.

As a business, you want other websites to link to your website. Sometimes this happens naturally. However, you can improve your backlinks by reaching out to editors of other websites and suggesting they link to your page, explaining why doing so would benefit them. You can also create internal links by linking pages within your website. 

3. Create quality content

Having quality content will naturally drive people to your website. 

A catchy headline can get people to click, but quality content keeps them. Make relevant, well-formatted, easy-to-read, and engaging content. Be sure to use everyday language throughout. Include a skim layer with headers, sections, pictures, and infographics. 

Using print and other SEO optimization techniques can help you improve your website’s ranking, making it easier for potential clients to find your business through Google. 

Are you ready to optimize your SEO with print? Reach out to our team now!

Over the past 30 years we have proven to be a leader in the print and marketing space.  Our team deliver results for our clients and we can help you achieve your goals for 2023.

Give us a call at 8453-248-2574 or email at info@duplicatesink.com

Duplicates INK - marketSMART  www.DuplicatesInk.com

 

#duplicatesink #marketsmart #seo #print #marketing

Are You Using Behavioral Science to Increase Direct Mail Response? Here are 3 how to tips.

For 30 years I've preached that sales and marketing were a science.  Understanding and embracing this is exactly what has helped Duplicates INK - marketSMART become a leader and experts in Direct Mail Marketing.

Regardless of how you look at it, direct mail marketing isn't just successful - it's positively thriving. 
 
According to a recent study, approximately 73% of consumers say they prefer to be contacted by brands using direct mail rather than by alternative means like email. This preference is because they can read physical mail at their convenience. Not only that, but about 40% of direct mail recipients either fully read or, at the very least, scan what they receive - as opposed to something like an email that is far too easy to ignore.  

But as effective as direct mail is by its very nature, there are still ways to increase the engagement you can generate between you and the members of your target audience. Behavioral science is a great way to accomplish that, but it is a concept that will require you to keep a few critical things in mind. 

3 Tips for Using Behavioral Science to Increase Direct Mail Response 

Don't Neglect "Magnet" Words

One of the best ways you can use behavioral science to increase direct mail response is using what are called "magnet" words. 
 
People lead busy lives - you can only expect them to read some of the last words on a piece of direct mail marketing that you send out. What they're likely to do is skim. 
 
While doing so, if they see words like "now," "announcing," or "introducing," they're much more likely to pay attention. That's because these types of magnet words bring a natural sense of urgency, which can capture someone's interest and get them to pay attention to the rest of your message.  

Do Whatever You Can to Stand Out

Think briefly about all the mail you receive on a given day. 
 
Most of it probably looks incredibly similar - it's pieces of mail in a standard envelope size that are virtually indistinguishable from one another. Therefore, even something seemingly simple as sending out print marketing pieces that are an "unusual size" can be a great way to attract attention. It differentiates your marketing materials from everything else someone might receive that day. 
 
At the very least, it gets them to pay attention in a way that will likely be more engaging than something similar to everything else in their mailbox.  

The Power of Testimonials

Another of the best ways to use behavioral science to increase direct mail response involves including testimonials in your print marketing whenever possible. 
 
People aren't just going to take your word for it that your products and services can do what you say they can. They want to hear it from people they trust, and if they can't hear that from a friend or family member, that's okay - testimonials and quotes from honest, satisfied customers will work just as well. 
 
Testimonials show someone that another customer has been in a situation similar to the one they now find themselves in, and yours was the business that helped answer a question, solve a problem, or generally provide value to their lives in some way. Once the testimonial convinces them, they're much more likely to listen to the rest of what you have to say - which can get them to come down off the proverbial fence and make a purchase before you know it.  
 
If you'd like to find out more about increasing your direct mail response rates or have any additional questions, please don't hesitate to contact us today! 

Duplicates INK - marketSMART
843-248-2574
www.duplicatesink.com
info@duplicatesink.com

#duplicatesink #marketsmart #directmailmarketing #marketingscience

 

How do you engage your customers with Direct Mail?

Our team at Duplicates INK - marketSMART predicts 2023 will be a resurgence in direct mail.  However it will evolve, integrating the marketing message with digital channels that support the direct mail efforts.

In today’s tech-savvy world, it might be easy to assume that the best way to catch the attention of your potential customers is through digital ads. In reality, according to Marketing Sherpa, 76% of consumers said they would trust printed ads they received in the mail when making a purchase, while only 25% said they would trust online pop-ups. 
 
The advertisements you’re sending out through the mail can significantly impact customers. Here are seven ways to design direct mail to make your company stand out! 

7 Tips to Refresh Your Direct Mail Strategy

1. For direct mail, BIGGER IS BETTER!

Research has found that using a larger envelope increases the response rate from customers by 53% when compared with the same content being sent in a standard-sized envelope. 
 
Try something new by sending out your mail in larger, oversized envelopes to intrigue your recipients to read what’s inside! 

2. Use POSTCARDS instead of letters for your direct mail.

In addition to being a cost-effective choice for your company (no envelopes necessary!), using postcards can be a unique way to switch up your mailing strategy. 
 
Postcards are eye-catching, concisely deliver your message, and are often more interesting for readers than a traditional letter. 

3. Make your direct mail SEASONAL.

Putting extra effort into the visual appeal of your direct mail could have a significant impact. 
 
The Data & Marketing Association found that 27% of direct mail is still present within the household after 28 days. Incorporate a seasonally festive design into your mail- it’ll give your recipients a reason to keep it around, making them more likely to take a second look at it. 

4. Include COUPONS in your direct mail!

People love getting discounts! 
 
Include a sale code or a coupon brochure along with your company’s information to give your recipients a reason to purchase immediately. They won’t be able to resist checking out your website so they can score that deal! 

5. Make your direct mail PERSONAL.

Personalization in your communication is key to keeping customers interested in your brand. 
 
For life milestones like birthdays, send out cards! When your company has an anniversary, let your customers know. If you have a loyal, high-value customer, send them a thank-you! This practice will keep your customers feeling valued and connected to your company. 

6. Combine your direct mail with DIGITAL TOOLS.

While direct mail can significantly impact your customers, it’s no secret that sometimes online options are more attractive for today’s customers. 
 
Include the information on your printed mail for your company’s website or social media accounts. Allow customers to redeem coupons online rather than filling them out by hand and mailing them back. 

7. Re-evaluate your company’s MAILING LIST.

If your current direct mail strategy is falling short, try shifting some things around with who is receiving your mail. 
 
Instead of using a mass-marketing tactic, try a targeted mailing list to focus your efforts on your best leads. To get the most responses, you’ll need to ensure you send your information out to your target customers. 
 
Direct mail can be a great way to create interest in your company among a vast pool of recipients. That said, the printing quality for your company’s mail matters and our printing firm has got you covered with high-quality printing for any of your direct mailing needs. For more information, Call one of our marketSMART specialist at 843-248-2574 or email us at info@duplicatesink.com and you can always visit our website! www.duplicatesink.com

#duplicatesink #marketsmart #directmail #directmailmarketing #2023marketingstrategies

3 Top Specialty Papers for Your Print Marketing

Our team at Duplicates INK - marketSMART works closely with our paper stock supplier partners so that we are upto date with the latest trends, inventory availability, price changes, availability and consumer acceptance.   Most folks don't realize how much the paperstock effects the overall engagement of the printing piece. 

Metallic, matte, recycled.

If you want to create direct mail marketing that stands out from the crowd, these three types of paper are the ones you want to know about. 

While it might sound simple, there are implications to using each type. So let's take a closer look.

3 Top Specialty Papers for Your Print Marketing

1. Memorable Metallic

This paper is shiny, durable, and oh, so sophisticated.

The metallic finish almost creates a 3D effect and gives your designs a warmth and depth that no other paper can.

Metallic tones add a bold and elegant touch to your designs, from projects as simple as homemade cards to more sophisticated endeavors like business cards, stationery, or even your wedding paper suite.

Use metallic papers to create a line of business marketing materials that pop. Try pairing metallic envelopes with non-metallic paper printed with metallic ink for a subtler look.

2. Earthy Matte

Why choose matte? It's chic and earthy.

Matte can make your materials look modern, and it's very on-trend. This paper is associated with a warm, soft, glowing effect.

Matte surfaces will reflect the light in different directions, diffusing light so there is less glare.

Matte paper is regular paper covered with a thin layer of inkjet receiving coating. This coating allows every drop of ink from the inkjet printer to be appropriately received, making for an exceptional, professional finish. It also dries quickly and resists fingerprints.

Matte paper uses less coating and undergoes less polishing than glossy paper. However, it is not the best paper for printing many pictures on, so if your project is photo intensive, you might opt for something different.

3. Renew with Recycled

Recycled paper is perfect for a company that promotes environmental awareness, as recycling causes 35% less water pollution and 74% less air pollution than making new paper.

This paper is made from a raw, fibrous material called pulp, typically made from the breakdown of wood chips or paper recovered for recycling. The latter is how we get recycled, eco-friendly paper.

While it is great for the environment, be aware that it does cost a bit more.

Whichever type of paper you choose, we're here to help you succeed and make the most out of your printing. 

Contact us today to start your next project!

 

Duplicates INK - marketSMART    info@duplicatesink.com.   843-248-2574   www.duplicatesink.com

 

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Why Do Some of My Mailed Postcards Have Smudges or Scuff Marks?

Our team at Duplicates INK - marketSMART genuinely takes PRIDE in the quality of projects that we produce.  Over the last 30 years we have earned over 60 Industry Awards for our quality of work.  When we process direct mail and it enters the mail stream we loose our ability to control the quality.   In this article we want to share with you a few reasons why your project may experience some "Smudges or Scuff Marks"

These smudges and rub or scuff marks have been referred to as “postcard (or mail) survivability.” Meaning, how well does the postcard survive while traveling through the high-speed rollers and sorting systems of the United States Postal Service (USPS)?

Rubbing/Scuffing Contact Marks

When the postcards hit the USPS mail system, a machine orients the postcard (or other piece of mail) and cancels the stamp or postage indicia. At the same time, a digital camera captures the address and ZIP code from the postcard and assigns a fluorescent inkjet barcode and identification number. 

Next, the postcard is passed through a Delivery Bar Code Sorter (DBCS) system. Depending on how far the mail piece has to travel, it may be processed by four to six different DBCS machines along the way to its final destination (local post office). These sorting machines are made up of a series of belts and rollers that sort the mail based on outgoing ZIP codes. The black rubber belts and rollers are typically the culprits and are usually the reason why you might see color smudges or scuffing on your postcards. The rollers physically grip and contact the postcard as it pushes it through to the correct ZIP code bin. If the roller applies too much pressure as it grips the mail, it may penetrate the color toner on the surface of the postcard, leaving scuff marks. Occasionally, the equipment may even rip the cards. Usually these marks occur about halfway to three-quarters of the way down on either side of the card where the high-speed belts make contact.

Postcards sent via first class that are deemed as undeliverable by the USPS (meaning that they cannot be delivered to the addressee) are especially vulnerable to scuffing and marking. The USPS takes extra steps to attempt to deliver this class of mail. These postcards are intentionally sent through the DBCS sorters several additional times to ensure that they are in fact “undeliverable” before they are deemed to be dead. Next time you get your first class undeliverable postcards returned to you- take note as to how scuffed they look.

Local Post Office Equipment Maintenance Is the Key

If your local USPS post office sorting machines are not calibrated correctly they can penetrate the postcard’s paper and color toner leaving black smudges, burn marks, scuffing, rub marks, tears, and/or even rips. Some people may think that these marks are because the ink wasn’t dry when it left the printer. This is not the case. In fact, digital printers like us don’t even use ink. We use color toner crystals that are instantly fused to the paper and dried—before the postcard comes off the printing press.

Since every USPS mail facility contains sorting equipment, it is left up to each location to decide how rigorous the schedule is for regular maintenance. Ideally, this type of equipment needs to be calibrated and maintained frequently. Regular routine maintenance has a profound impact on how well your postcards survive through the mailing process. Simply stated, it boils down to how your local post office appropriates its resources and keeps up with routine maintenance. Given USPS cutbacks and budget constraints, however, machine maintenance is one of the first items cut by local postmasters.

The Good News

It's typical that these scuff, burn, smudge marks do not happen to every piece of mail.  It's unfortunate that a beautifully printed project can end up with quality issues at time of delivery.  Another positive note is that when surveyed most purchasing decisions were not influenced by smudge marks on the mail received.

Duplicates INK - marketSMART can help you design print and mail your next project with amazing results.  Give one of our team members a call at 843-248-2574 or reach out via email info@duplicatesink.com    www.duplicatesink.com

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